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Swallowtail - Favourite Photo of 2020

Week 18

The end of the Favourites thread is in sight but don’t be too down as with double figure temperatures forecast from mid-week on it looks like the 2021 season could soon be underway!

Please could I ask that everyone waits until a topic has been opened by me for a particular species before posting photos as then it will be easier to keep track of things? Of course our overseas members are very welcome to fill in the obvious gaps relating to rare UK migrants. As in previous years details of locations, dates, times and circumstances would be welcome as would any accompanying stories and anecdotes or other observations of behaviour and interesting other points.

Just a reminder - it might be a good idea to start selecting your Overall Favourite Butterfly Photo of 2020 now as we’re starting to draw to the grand finale.


Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

I missed several species in 2020 due to restrictions on travel but I am pleased to say that a trip to The Broads was possible. I made a very early start so as to enjoy the dawn chorus that included Cuckoos and Cranes calling. It turned out to be an unusually warm day and although I find Swallowtail difficult to count, as most of the sightings are of butterflies flying fast over the reeds I estimate that there were more than 10 on the wing. Several were feeding on Red Campion and remained for a few seconds allowing for photographs. In my opinion, the Swallowtail is our most spectacular butterfly by some margin and it lives in a very beautiful corner of UK, always a highlight of my year.

Nice to see someone got to chalk up this species in 2020 in the UK. Well done, Wolfson.

As ever, I came across a few on the continent, but they aren't quite as striking as our britannicus so I didn't take any images. In fact, it's almost 10 years since I've seen our native subspecies, at Strumpshaw Fen.